The Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation has decided to raise a stink over the cost of a Qdoba Burrito.
Before last year's Nov. 7 election, the Monona Oak Community Church spent $31.62 photocopying flyers, urging Madison area residents to vote yes on an amendment banning gay marriage.
In doing so, the church violated campaign finance rules when they spent $6.62 more than the allowable $25 a group can spend on political advocacy without registering with the state Elections Board.
No doubt the church violated the rules and should be subject to fines and penalties for not adhering to the laws created by the state to ensure fair open elections.
This newspaper vehemently disagrees with the church's position on gay marriage and is likewise concerned about the consequences of tax-exempt organizations such as churches advocating for a political cause.
But we question the rationale of the FFRF decision to make much ado about nothing in the instance. While technically they are right, is it really worth fighting over the $6.62?
By attacking organized religion at every opportunity, FFRF only makes those of us who fight for progressive causes like equal rights for homosexuals look bad.
FFRF's actions only reaffirm the conservative misconception that liberals are immoral, godless folk who do not have respect for the important role religion plays in the lives of so many Americans.
The Monona Oaks Community Church did not follow the letter of the law in this instance, but FFRF needs to do a better job of picking its battles if it wants to aid the modern progressive movement.
